STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3976

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 547, 548, 549

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 547, 548, and 549, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Board of Agriculture

G.M. No. 547	DIANE LEY, for a term to expire 06-30-2026;
G.M. No. 548	FREDERICK COWELL, for a term to expire 06-30-2026; and
G.M. No. 549	JAMES GOMES, for a term to expire 06-30-2026,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Diane Ley, Frederick Cowell, and James Gomes for service on the Board of Agriculture.

Diane ley

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Diane Ley from Puna Flower Power; Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers; Ponoholo Ranch Limited; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association; Island Grown Foods, Inc.; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Hawaii Tropical Flower Council; Orchid Growers of Hawaii; Ulupono Initiative; Synergistic Hawaii Agriculture Council; Maui County Farm Bureau; and Hawai‘i Institute of Pacific Agriculture.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Ley's experience, knowledge, and leadership in the agriculture community qualify her for reappointment to the Board as a representative of Hawai‘i Island. Your Committee notes that Ms. Ley currently serves as a member of the Board of Agriculture representing Hawai‘i Island and as Vice President of the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai‘i. Ms. Ley has previously served in several government roles, including as Director and Deputy Director of the Department of Research and Development for the County of Hawai‘i and as the State Executive Director for the United State Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency for Hawaii and the Pacific Basin. Ms. Ley is also an active community member who represented the County of Hawai‘i on the State Carbon Farming Task Force and Dark Night Skies Protection Advisory Committee and served as a leader in the Hawaii Rural Development Council and Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii Alumni Association. Ms. Ley's extensive knowledge of the State's agricultural industry and experience representing the County of Hawai‘i regarding a range of agricultural matters will continue to be assets to the Board of Agriculture. Your Committee therefore recommends that Diane Ley be reappointed to the Board of Agriculture based on her background, experience, and dedication to public service.

frederick cowell

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Frederick Cowell from Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Kekaha Agriculture Association; Island Grown Foods, Inc.; Hartung Brothers, Inc.; Ulupono Initiative; Maui County Farm Bureau; and three individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Cowell's experience, knowledge, and leadership in the agriculture industry qualify him for reappointment to the Board as a representative of Kauai Island. Your Committee notes that Mr. Cowell currently serves as a member of the Board of Agriculture representing Kauai Island and as a member of community organizations, such as the Kauai Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Coffee Association, and Kauai Economic Development Board. Mr. Cowell also works as a general manager for the Kauai Coffee Company, LLC, where he has worked to improve the sustainability of coffee farming and expand the Kauai Coffee brand through eCommerce and agrotourism. Mr. Cowell's experience as a current member of the Board of Agriculture and direct knowledge of agricultural commerce on Kauai Island will continue to be assets to the Board of Agriculture. Your Committee therefore recommends that Frederick Cowell be reappointed to the Board of Agriculture based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

James gomes

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of James Gomes from McCandless Ranch; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Island Frown Foods, Inc.; Ulupono Initiative; Kapapala Ranch; Maui County Farm Bureau; and ten individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Gomes's experience, knowledge, and leadership in the ranching industry qualify him for appointment to the Board of Agriculture. Your Committee notes that Mr. Gomes currently works as the operations ranch manager at Ulupalakua Ranch, Inc. In addition to his role as operations ranch manager, Mr. Gomes is an active community member. Mr. Gomes has served as President of the Maui Cattlemen's Association and Hawaii Cattlemen's Association. Mr. Gomes has also served in local and state government as chair and vice chair of the Maui Liquor Commission and as a member of the Board of Land and Natural Resources representing Maui Island. Mr. Gomes's experience and knowledge regarding the State's ranching industry will be an asset to the Board of Agriculture. Your Committee therefore recommends that James Gomes be appointed to the Board of Agriculture based on his background, experience, and dedication to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

____________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair